STRONG TEAM FOR EPSOM AND ASCOT

Karl Hedley reports on how the Irish Flat season has kicked off

The Flat season is now in full swing here and whist there are still National Hunt meetings taking place, I shall be concentrating on horses who look as though they may have major seasons ahead of them on the level. The first Classics of the year are already behind us, but with the likes of the Derby and Royal Ascot still to come, there is plenty to look forward to. I shall be reviewing some of the performances that have already caught the eye over the last month in Ireland and examine those horses who look to have decent prospects going forward.

Do It With Style made a winning debut at The Curragh in the opening six-furlong maiden on the first day of the month for Donnacha O’Brien and Gavin Ryan. Held up towards rear out in the centre of the track as the leaders came up the near-side rail, the daughter of Ten Sovereigns picked up well in the final quarter-mile and collared Ocean Baroque inside the final furlong. The winning margin was a length.

The winner cost 235,000 Euros at the Orby Sale and is a half-sister to four winners, all of whom scored at two.

“We thought she was smart. I was a little bit worried about the ground, she’ll be better on better ground, but it was nice to see her do that,” said O’Brien.” She was a bit green early as well so I think she did very well to quicken up the way she did. I’ll speak to the owners and we’ll see but I suppose the Albany could definitely be an option. Usually on that track when it pans out like that it’s a big disadvantage to be away from the rail and she was a bit green but Gavin gave her a nice ride. He let her have a chance early and then she finished off really well.”